QuestionI had been on birthcontrol for 5 years, and recently went off it in July. I had a normal period up thourgh Sept 1. In november it didn't come till the 10 and was very light and only lasted one day. Since then I haven't hade any signs of a menstural cycel. I've done home test and even had a blood test done, they've all come back negative. I still haven't had a period. Could something be wrong, and what might I be looking at?
AnswerDear Kim,
The most common cause for irregularity of periods and amenorrhea (absence of menses) is a fluctuation in hormone levels. There are two types of amenorrhea - primary and secondary amenorrhea. Secondary amenorrhea occurs when you were previously menstruating but then stopped having periods, typically for at least three consecutive months. What you are describing is more just an irregularity in your periods, rather than amenorrhea.
This is not an uncommon occurrence when discontinuing oral contraceptive use. It often takes a woman's body about 3-4 cycles to get back to normal. Were you regular before starting BCPs? The BCP has suppressed what your body naturally had done prior to the last five years so, if you were regular beforehand, it should return to normal. The exception to this would be if you are of peri-menopause age, when cycles naturally become irregular.
Your body is simply trying to become accustomed to regulating the hormones responsible for ovulation and menstruation on it's own. You may very well be irregular for a few more months. If you do not return to the normal pattern of menstrual cycles which you had before starting BCPs in another few months, you should see your doctor to determine whether you are ovulating normally.
I hope this information has helped you and answered your question. Have a merry Christmas!
Brenda
